It's not a war zone (Hotels in Bradford in general)

Member Name: doctordarke2389

Product:	Hotels in Bradford in general
Date:	26/07/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Near to all amenities

Disadvantages: Needs a radical overhaul

Bradford is a metropolitan district that has a catchment area of almost 500,000 people, spread over a fairly wide geographical area. However, the city has known better days from its pomp as the major wool-trading city in the world at the latter end of the Victorian era.

These days, and in terms of its hotels, the city boasts surprisingly very little in the way of acreage. The city centre has four major hotels: the Hilton; the Victoria; the Midland, and the Express by Holiday Inn. I have stayed in all of these at some time or another, plus a few of the smaller, pub-type B & Bs that were conspicuous by their mediocrity. There are a few other hotels dotted around, such as the Dubrovnik in Manningham (avoid like the plague) and the Coach House. (Not stayed here, but heard a few things ... )

The ones I've stayed in are all fairly formulaic, although on balance I'd say that the Midland at the bottom of Cheapside, near the city's Forster Square railway terminus, is about the best. A former hotel for railway workers, the Midland is the priciest, but worth the extra expenditure. They used to offer a complementary glass of wine when you checked in, but I have no idea if that still applies.

The Express is very generic, with linear room layout, stripped-down bedroom configuration and utilities, and very basic breakfast. (No cooked food, etc., ans strictly self-service.) This is why it's currently going for £39.00 a night.

The Hilton is rather better, with everything you expect from a mid-range branch. Walls are a bit thin, which can be embarrassing to some when the couple next door are very vocal in their midnight romping sessions. Good breakfasts, though.

For the Victoria, read the other review; accurate, and to the point.

Summary: pick your hotel carefully